What Adults with HIV Infection Should Know About 2009 H1N1 Flu (Formerly Called Swine Flu)

What Adults with HIV Infection Should Know About 2009 H1N1 Flu (Formerly Called Swine Flu)
October 21, 2009, 9:45 PM ET

This update provides new information about vaccination and treatment of HIV-infected adults affected by the 2009 H1N1 flu.

Are people with HIV/AIDS at greater risk than other people of infection with the 2009 H1N1 flu?
At the present time, we have no information about the risk of the 2009 H1N1 flu in people with HIV/AIDS. In the past, people with HIV/AIDS have not appeared to be at any greater risk than the general population for infection with routine seasonal influenza. However, HIV-infected adults and adolescents, and especially persons with low CD4 cell counts or AIDS, can experience more severe complications of seasonal influenza. It is therefore possible that HIV-infected adults and adolescents are also at higher risk for complications from infection with the 2009 H1N1 flu virus.

What can people with HIV/AIDS do to protect themselves from the 2009 H1N1 flu?
HIV-infected patients should take precautions to protect themselves from the 2009 H1N1 flu.

Wash your hands often (or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer* if soap and water aren't available)
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with your hands - germs spread this way
Try to avoid close contact with sick people
Review CDC's interim recommendations for facemask and respirator use
HIV-infected persons should maintain a healthy lifestyle; eat right, get enough sleep, and reduce stress as much as possible. Staying healthy reduces your risk of getting infected by influenza and other infections. Staying healthy also helps your immune system fight off a flu infection should it occur.

If you are currently taking antiretrovirals or antimicrobial prophylaxis against opportunistic infections you should adhere to your prescribed treatment and follow the advice of your health care provider in order to maximize the health of your immune system.

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What Adults with HIV Infection Should Know About 2009 H1N1 Flu (Formerly Called Swine Flu)